SGTC Names Barbara Chestnut as October Student of Excellence

October 10, 2024
Nominees for SGTC’s Student of Excellence Award for October were (front row, L-R) Fabiola San Martin Garcia, Chinequia Johnson, Barbara Chestnut, Tera Parker, Kanijah Foster, Keyona Bell, and Kimberly Nipper. Back row (l-r) are nominating instructors Andre Robinson, Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe, Jeana Yawn, and Christine Rundle.
Nominees for SGTC’s Student of Excellence Award for October were (front row, L-R) Fabiola San Martin Garcia, Chinequia Johnson, Barbara Chestnut, Tera Parker, Kanijah Foster, Keyona Bell, and Kimberly Nipper. Back row (l-r) are nominating instructors Andre Robinson, Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe, Jeana Yawn, and Christine Rundle.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently held its Student of Excellence ceremony for October, recognizing Barbara Chestnut, a Criminal Justice student from Mauk, as the overall winner. Nominated by her instructor, Teresa McCook, Chestnut stood out for her academic achievements, work ethic, and life experiences.

The Student of Excellence award is given each month to one student from select divisions, chosen based on criteria such as grades, participation in clubs and organizations, work ethic, and program completion. Instructors nominate students who excel in these areas.

During the ceremony, McCook praised Chestnut’s contributions to class discussions, highlighting how her experiences as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and in various jobs enriched the learning environment. “She’s brought so much to our class discussions, and we’ve always enjoyed her stories,” McCook said.

At 67 years old, Chestnut shared her inspiring journey of returning to school. “For the first time in my life, I asked, ‘What do I want to do? What would I love to do, instead of what I have to do to raise my kids?’” Having enjoyed working with law enforcement as an EMT, Chestnut chose to study criminal justice at SGTC.

As the overall winner, Chestnut received a plaque, a personal letter of recommendation from SGTC President Dr. John Watford, and a $50 award. Her name will also be displayed on the digital marquee and inscribed on a permanent plaque in Hicks Hall alongside past Student of Excellence winners.

Student of Excellence winner Barbara Chestnut (left) and SGTC Criminal Justice Technology instructor Teresa McCook
Student of Excellence winner Barbara Chestnut (left) and SGTC Criminal Justice Technology instructor Teresa McCook

Other nominees included: Fabiola San Martin Garcia of Cordele, Barbering, nominated by Andre Robinson; Chinequia Johnson of Reynolds, Cosmetology, nominated by Dorothea Lusane McKenzie; Tera Parker of Montezuma, Culinary Arts, nominated by Ricky Waltzlowick; Kanijah Foster of Americus, Early Childhood Care and Education, nominated by Jaye Cripe; Keyona Bell of Buena Vista, Medical Assisting, nominated by Jeana Yawn; and Kimberly Nipper of Butler, Practical Nursing, nominated by Christine Rundle.

South Georgia Technical College students excel in over 200 programs leading to a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. Learn more and apply for enrollment at www.southgatech.edu.